Working abroad

For many young people the first experience of working abroad will be:

• as a volunteer on an organised programme
• as part of a gap year
• a short-term holiday job.

Whatever your interests, skills or previous experience there is bound to be something out there to suit and challenge you.  You might want to do something you are already familiar with, or try something completely different.

Working abroad will take sometime to organise.  You’ll need to explore all the possibilities so you get the right experience.  You’ll need a passport.  You might need to apply for a visa or work permit.  There may be vaccinations to have.  You’ll need to consider travel and health insurance.

Make sure you make full use of any new skills you learn.  Get examples onto your CV, into application forms and interviews.  Employers like people who actively expand their experience and enjoy learning new skills.

Your local Connexions Centre will have lots of information about opportunities abroad to get you started.  You could also speak to a personal adviser about your ideas and plans.  They can make sure you have thought everything through.

Weblinks

Volunteering and holiday jobs
External link: direct.gov.uk

Temporary and seasonal work
External link: connexions-direct.com

Gap years
External link: connexions-direct.com